Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-16
BORDERING ON A CENTURY.
Career of Hopkins Horton of Danby-He
Sees the Fifth Generation ofHis De-

The life of Hopkins Horton of Claren-
don, VT, who has nearly reached the age
of 95, furnishes a rare example of the pos
sibilities to be attained consequent upon
temperate and well-guarded habits.
Mr.. Horton was born in Dandy vt,
March IS, 1898 His mother was Seviah
Hopkins, niece of Stephen Hopkins, one
of the signers of the Declaration of indie
pendence. His grandfather, Timothy
Hopkins, was chief of the war council of
Massachusetts during the Revolution.
AS young man he was in poor health,
but being possessed of 4 cheerful DISPOSE
ton and great will power as time went on
he became strong and full of vigOr. This
blessing was due though, in no small
measure to his abstemious habits, as he
never used tobacco or any Intoxicating
liquors. During the greater part of his
lite Mr. Horton has been more or less en-
gagged in farming. At the age of 81 he
was married in Dandy to Hannah X. Nor
thrup, who lived to the ripe old age of 81.
He has spent several years of his life in
Boston, chiefly with his children, but has
always retained the Old farm in Claren-
don, where he took his bride in the year
1914, and where all his children were born.
He has always been greatly attraced to
his home, and is a famous story teller,
and one might often have seen him anus.
ing group of children with yarns about
fairies and such recitals as bring delight
to the childish heart.
In his family were II children, nine of
whom are still living and married. These
are Timothy Horton of Clarendon John
Horton of Chittenden, Cynthia Fisher of
Boston, Seviah Meloon of East Cambridge,
Hannah X. Wallingford and Sarah Walk
er of Alton, y. H., William Horton of
South Boston, Abel Horton of New York
city, and Lydia Chaplin Of West Medford.
He has SO grandchildren, 81 great grand
children and one great great grandchlld.
Mr.. Horton was a member of the Wing
party at the time of its birth. At the
present time he Is Il StaUnch republican
and votes at the town election. His facul-
ties remain in excellent condition and his
extensive information, together with his
almost remarkable memory, enables him
to be most charming entertainer. HIS
eyesight has been gradually falling for
several years till now he is only Just able
to distinguish light from darkness A
year ago last February he attended the
golden wedding of his son Timothy Ilor-
ton, in Clarendon, and at that gathering
sang a war song learned when he was
but IL years old. A year ago this month
he was expected to be present at the gold
en- wedding of his daughter, Mrs. Gym
thia Fisher of Boston, but was afraid 10
take the journey at that season of the
year He has always been strict teetO
taller and had the first barn raising in the
town of Clarendon without the use of in
toXicating liquors, all the neighbors pro
phesying that the building would never
go up without its use but as the old gen
tleman tells the story, every one that
could went to see how it could be done
and the consequence was there was never
a building raised so quickly in town. He
has held nearly ali the town offices in his
time, but has never dabbled further in
politics, though he has been great read
er and has distinct recollection of the
administration of Thomas Jefferson he
cast his first ballot for James Monroe, anG
has voted at all the presidential elections
from then till now, and will tell you
many an interesting story in connection
with some of the old-time elections. Dur
ing the presidential campaign of 1854 Mr.
Horton was in Boston, and was worried
very much by the fear that Blaine woulC
be defeated and the wicked democrats
would succeed to power.
His life, though devoid of wonderful
achievements, is one that sets forth thu
possible sweetness and happiness of an
earthly mission.